Orca Elementary began as the Allen Free School in 1972. The Allen Free School opened as part of a Seattle Public Schools effort to offer families a variety of program alternatives to traditional school experiences. The Allen Free School started out as 2 classrooms serving grades 3-5 in Allen Elementary School. In 1974 Marletta Edwards (yes, that Marletta) rescued a faltering experiment by opening a K-2 classroom, and the Orca we know began to take shape. Within a few years, Gary Burdge joined Marletta. The Free School emphasized student choice, flexible student grouping, and high family involvement.
The Allen Free School was officially renamed Orca in 1977. Gary’s students developed and performed the legendary “Whale Dance” in front of Jacques Cousteau and 10,000 others at the Seattle Coliseum. The name Orca was chosen by students shortly afterwards as a reflection of Northwest culture and the school’s emphasis on the environment. In fact, by 1983, the dance became so well known, Safeco Corp. had the dance program videotaped and broadcast on local public television.
Orca began to expand, and moved to BF Day building in Freemont Neighborhood (3921 Linden Ave N) in 1981. Within 7 years, Dave Cook, Liz Neuman, and Becky Sokolow also joined the Orca staff. Other early teachers included Ann MacCracken, Nancy Leimbacher, and Yolanda Gonzales.
By this time, Orca was holding annual "silent auctions" to the much needed funds to keep the school alive since the Seattle School District had long ago abandoned the concept of "alternative education" and was busily attempting to stamp out Orca and its fellow alternative schools. It became necessary for the parents and teachers to form the Alternative School Coalition to, in effect, unionize the schools under financial attack. The Orca Steering Committee was also formed by the parents of Orca children in place of a PTA to assist the Coalition and help keep the school on its chosen course.
The curriculum expanded to include student teachers, like Robin who later became a teacher, new full-time teachers, like Liz Neuman, and parents continued to take more part in their children's education. The students spent a full week at camp once a year: K-2nd grade to Camp Long, and 3rd-5th to Camp Seabeck and Camp Orkila.
 |
| Orca at Columbia School building |
In 1989 Orca moved from BF Day to its current site in Columbia City (3528 S Ferdinand St). Seattle Public Schools wanted to offer an alternative program to southeast Seattle students. At the same time, Orca staff strongly desired a building of their own and a closer connection to more diverse neighborhoods.
Orca’s curriculum and programs have evolved in the 15 years it has been housed at Columbia. One of the most visible additions was the development of the Orca Garden. Begun with assistance from the Seattle Engineering Department, a green house and numerous large conifer trees were transplanted to the site in 1989-90. Families and community members developed the beds, planter boxes, composters, and sheds we have to this day.
Over the years changes in leadership, staff, and families have contributed to new developments and dynamics at Orca. More change is certain, as the next two school levies include money to fund a science annex, greenhouse remodel, and K-8 expansion. However, a consistent vision has provided the foundation for Orca’s evolving programs. Commitments to valuing the whole child, diversity and community, environmental education, integrated arts, and family involvement have guided Orca from its earliest years.
